Author: Gary D. Robertson, Associated Press

North Carolina is reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, with Governor Roy Cooper estimating record damages of $53 billion. The storm caused catastrophic flooding and destruction in western North Carolina, surpassing the previous record set by Hurricane Florence in 2018. Cooper is requesting $3.9 billion from the General Assembly to aid in repairs and revitalization efforts. The storm resulted in 96 deaths, 1,400 landslides, and extensive damage to infrastructure, with 220,000 households expected to seek federal assistance. Legislators have already approved a $273 million package, and the state has access to billions for recovery spending. The federal government is…